According to its annual report, the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection reimbursed 141 victims of attorney theft.

According to its annual report, the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection reimbursed 141 victims of attorney theft.

The Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection in Ohio awarded more than $767,000 for 141 claims of attorney theft, according to an annual report released today.

The fund, formerly known as the Clients’ Security Fund, seeks to support public confidence in the legal profession by reimbursing law clients for losses sustained as a result of the dishonest conduct of their attorneys. The claims eligible for reimbursement in fiscal year 2015, July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, resulted from the dishonest conduct of 41 attorneys.

“As in previous years, this report confirms the fact that the overwhelming majority of Ohio lawyers observe high standards of integrity and professionalism when entrusted with law-client money or property. The dishonest acts of a few, however, can affect the public’s image of and confidence in the legal profession as a whole,” Administrator/Secretary Janet Green Marbley said.

Of the claims approved, 126 (33 percent of total amount awarded) were for unearned-fees, 10 (43 percent of total amount awarded) were for thefts by fiduciaries, and five (24 percent of total amount awarded) involved theft of settlement proceeds.

Also in the report:

• 106 claimants received 100 percent reimbursement of their losses
• 38 claims were ruled ineligible
• Two claimants received the maximum ($75,000) award amount.

The fund was created in 1985 by Gov. Bar R. VIII of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar and is supported from the Attorney Registration Fund. A seven-member board of commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court justices determines the eligibility of claims filed and manages assets.

Since its inception, the fund has allocated more than $19 million to 2,680 former law clients.

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